The Rhode Island Department of Health has agreed to give expedited review to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital’s application to purchase The Westerly Hospital.

Attorney Mark Russo, the court-appointed special master in The Westerly Hospital receivership case said this is the first time an expedited procedure has been granted by Rhode Island hospital regulators under the state’s Hospital Conversion Act.

“This is a huge step towards the Westerly Hospital emerging from the Mastership proceeding,” Russo said Monday in an email message.

Mike O’Farrell, spokesman for L&M, said the sale proceedings are on track for a closing to take place in January.